Getting around Edinburgh by bus, bike and on foot

The hilly streets of Scotland's compact capital are easy to navigate

Edinburgh’s volcanic terrain means you’re never far from a steep hill, and while getting around the city centre is simple on foot or by bike, taking a bus tour is an easy way to see the sights, especially if your time is limited.

The city’s main tour operator is Edinburgh Bus Tours, which runs a number of guided hop-on hop-off routes throughout the city, taking in highlights such as the Castle, the New Town, the Edinburgh Dungeon and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Tours start at Waverley Bridge but can be joined at any of the stops along the route. Its City Sightseeing ticket has a commentary available in nine languages, as well as a Horrible Histories Edinburgh guide for kids – or for anyone interested in learning about the darker side of the city’s past. It also has a vintage tour bus option, and hardier passengers can take a bracing seat on the open top deck for great views of the city. Tickets can be used for 24 hours and the company also runs a ‘bus and boat’ ticket together with Forth Boat Tours at South Queensferry from April to October.

If you’re looking to venture farther afield, are on a tight budget or just want a little more independence, a £3 day ticket from Lothian Buses will allow you unlimited travel on its buses anywhere in the city and are available from the driver.